adjective
Common
chosen
CHOH-zuhn
Chosen (adjective) means Picked out or selected, often as especially suitable or favoured. Example: “She was the chosen candidate for the role.”
adjective
1
Picked out or selected, often as especially suitable or favoured.
"The chosen candidate accepted the award with pride."
"She was the chosen candidate for the role."
"He felt like the chosen one after winning the scholarship."
"Only a few chosen participants were allowed entry."
"The chosen few were invited backstage to meet the band."
How to use chosen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSelected, especially as the preferred or favoured option.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the chosen one
chosen candidate
chosen few
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more chosen
- Superlative
- most chosen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was the _____ candidate for the role.
Etymology
From Old English coren, the past participle of ċēosan ("to choose"), later reshaped to match the verb choose.
Related words
Rhymes for chosen
See all rhymes for chosen →Frequently asked questions
What does “chosen” mean?
The word “chosen” means picked out or selected, often as especially suitable or favoured. In plain terms, selected, especially as the preferred or favoured option.
How do you pronounce “chosen”?
“Chosen” is pronounced CHOH-zuhn (/ˈt͡ʃoʊ.zən/ in IPA).
How do you use “chosen” in a sentence?
Here is “chosen” used in a sentence: “She was the chosen candidate for the role.”
What part of speech is “chosen”?
“Chosen” is an adjective.
Where does the word “chosen” come from?
The word “chosen” comes from Old English. From Old English coren, the past participle of ċēosan ("to choose"), later reshaped to match the verb choose.
Is “chosen” a common word?
“Chosen” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'chose' and 'chosen'?
Both come from the verb 'choose'. Chose is the simple past tense and stands alone: 'yesterday I chose the red one'. Chosen is the past participle and needs a helping verb such as have or was: 'I have chosen' or 'she was chosen'. Using one for the other is a common mistake.
What does 'the chosen one' mean?
'The chosen one' refers to a person singled out as specially suitable, favoured, or destined for an important role, often in stories, religion, or myth. It carries a sense of being picked above all others for a purpose. Used casually, it can also be light or ironic praise.
Is 'chosen' a positive word?
Usually, yes. Chosen implies being selected as especially suitable or favoured, which suggests value, purpose, or preference — as in a chosen career or a chosen few. It generally carries a warm, affirming tone, though in some contexts it can hint at exclusion of those not chosen.
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